Smallest reflex system?

[2F/2F]

I consider this more like a toy camera then a serious slr camera. The ones that I have seen where not fully manual and of course the negative size has it's serious limitations if you want to make failry big enlargements. Maybe the word useless was a bit strong :-) More then a play around with I didn't do but boy do I want one. Just for fun ;-)

The word useless was entirely misused. If you want to call it useless, list your criteria ("useless for..."), don't just call it useless, period...because it is not...and that is a fact.

[paul ewins]

The only thing that makes the auto 110 useless is the film available to it. When it was introduced you could get transparency (Kodachrome!) and monochrome film as well as the consumer stuff. Now the only 110 film left is 200 speed consumer neg film. I have been reloading 16mm tri-x into recycled 100 cartridges and if you start to work with the limitations of the negative size then it really is a nice little camera. I learn to "embrace the grain" and try for minimalist results rather than go all Ansel Adams.

[2F/2F]

I learn to "embrace the grain"...rather than go all Ansel Adams.

Anyone who doesn't do this before even acquiring the camera in the first place deserves their results.

It can definitely be a "serious" camera...but was never intended to be a "professional" camera, or to be able to match the results of a larger format. Come on now. That is just plain common sense.

FWIW, I use mine often, and love it. I reload with slit 120/220 film, and also use whatever is left of the pre-packaged Fuji 200. One of my favorite things to load it with is Delta 3200. The camera over exposes it, making it even grainier than it already is. If you have one of these cameras, and want GRAIN, this is the way to go.

What I wish existed was a high-quality re loadable cassette that was designed for re-use. I would love to design a metal one. Maybe I will some day, if I get into a school that will let me use the materials shop.

I am also going to look into getting my backup body adjusted to underexpose by a stop, so I can shoot high speed films without overexposing them.

[Chan Tran]

If you're looking for a 35mm (full frame not half frame) SLR then the choices are the Olympus OM1,2,3,4, The Pentax ME, MX. I personally would pick the Pentax MX.

[darinwc]

The Pentax ME is the smallest SLR I own. Smaller than the Olympus OM*, the Nikon FG, or the Canon anything. It does have the limitation of aperture priority only. But even with a 50mm lens, any slr is not very pocketable.

HOWEVER I find that the size of the camera body not all that relevent to actual use. For one thing, if you are using anything longer than 50mm, or just about any zoom, you are going to have quite a bulge.

(Is that an 80-200mm f2.8 EDIF in your pocket or are you just really happy to see me?)

And the metal bodies of the above mentioned are NOT light. Especially compared to the newer plastic AF cameras. I remember handing over my OM2+50f1.4 to a friend and her saying "wow its soo heavy. This is really a professional camera!" Of course they are much lighter compared to my canon F1n, FTB, or for that matter Mamiya RB.

Sooo.. I would say the Pentax 110 fits the bill as the smallest SLR. The OM* series is probably the best quality small SLR ever. But if you are looking to buy a real camera dont disqualify the slightly larger size SLR's like the Pentax Spotmatic, Nikon FM/FE/FA, Canon A*, and many many more.

if you are looking for a truly pocketable camera, I would advise you to look at the Olympus RC, Cannonet Ql17, Olympus XA, or compact autofocus cameras.

[makanakijones]

I have almost ten tiny monolens cameras, but I am looking for a good and small reflex, it is that simple.

[Galah]

I think the smallest system would be the pentax 110. Useless but it is the smallest.

I beg to disagree; not "useless". Maybe defunct, but not useless.

It was a small but complete "system" with several interchangeable lenses and capable of surprisingly sharp prints: a truly "pocketable" SLR.

The tiny (manual) lenses looked like toys, but were quite practical.

[darinwc]

I have almost ten tiny monolens cameras, but I am looking for a good and small reflex, it is that simple.

We will need a bit more information.

Why are you looking for the smallest SLR?
Do you want to carry it in your pocket?
Do you have small hands?
Are you really looking for the a lightweight camera for hiking?
You mentioned monolens, have you considered a rangefinder with interchangable lenses?

What lenses will you be purchasing with it?
ultrawide/wide/normal/macro/portrait/telephoto/supertelephoto
zooms?

Lenses, flash, tripod, etc can take up a lot of space fast.
Will the size of the whole kit be a consideration?

[Peter de Groot]

I beg to disagree; not "useless". Maybe defunct, but not useless.

It was a small but complete "system" with several interchangeable lenses and capable of surprisingly sharp prints: a truly "pocketable" SLR.

The tiny (manual) lenses looked like toys, but were quite practical.

Ok. It is a nice camera and I do want one so i take back the word useless. Mea culpa :-)

[redrockcoulee]

The pancake lens with the M series Pentax cameras MX ME Super etc.. 40mm lens is of high prices due to its small size

The lenses for the Pentax 110 may soon be going the way of the good Pentax primes (increased prices) as some people are using adapters to mount them on mini 4/3 system as they offer full coverage. I have not used my 110 for years but do have it actually loaded and two more rolls in the freezer guess I should be more responsible to it